Laser technologies are essential to key U.S. industries, from semiconductor manufacturing and advanced communications to healthcare and national defense. Yet the United States produces less than 35% of the world's lasers, while China continues to expand its laser industry, workforce, and manufacturing capacity at a faster rate, creating growing economic and national security concerns.
The NSF STELLAR Engine in the Rochester/Finger Lakes Region of New York, led by the University of Rochester, is advancing the science, engineering, and commercialization of laser technologies needed to support the next generation of industrial, scientific, and defense applications.
Rochester has long been a global center for optics and photonics, home to more than 150 laser and photonics companies, the Laboratory for Laser Energetics, The Institute of Optics - the nation's original optics educational program - and a robust network of research, commercialization, and workforce partners. The NSF STELLAR Engine is leveraging these regional assets to advance high-power and ultrafast laser systems, laser-enabled manufacturing technologies, and integrated photonics while expanding career pathways and entrepreneurship opportunities needed to support industry growth.
